Lot
18

A GEORGE IV SILVER-GILT CHRISTENING-BOWL AND COVER

MARK OF PHILLIP RUNDELL, LONDON, 1821

Price realisedGBP 10,000

EstimateGBP 8,000 - GBP 12,000

Add to Interests

A GEORGE IV SILVER-GILT CHRISTENING-BOWL AND COVER
MARK OF PHILLIP RUNDELL, LONDON, 1821
Compressed cylindrical and with two elongated spatulate handles, the rim and detachable cover each applied with a band of shells within trailing foliage, the handles each applied with a palmette, with a foliage and berry finial, the cover and body each engraved twice with a coat-of-arms, engraved underneath with an inscription, marked below handle and inside cover
11¾ in. (30 cm.) wide over handles
29 oz. (909 gr.)
The inscription reads 'Henry Greswolde Lewis to his godchild Mary Greswolde Wilson France, born April 3rd 1820, christened August 8th 1820 at Leland, County of Lancaster.

Lot essay

Mary Greswolde Wilson France was born in 1820 and was the eldest daughter of Thomas Robert Wilson France (1787-1853) of Rawcliffe Hall Lancaster, and his wife Mary Freer, whom he married in 1818. She died in 1853 unmarried at the age of 33.

The unusually engraved coat-of-arms records the arms of her father and those of her godfather's mother. However it is interesting to note that the marriage of Mary Wilson France's parents, as recorded in the Gentleman's Magazine of 1818 refers to Miss Freer being of Malvern Hall', the home of Mary's godfather to be Henry Greswolde Lewis. It is possible that Miss Freer was the illegitimate daughter of Henry Greswolde Lewis, he being both Mary's godfather and grandfather. In his will Henry Greswolde Lewis left Mary's mother, Mrs Wilson France, née Freer, an income of £400 per annum and a trust of £6,000 for her three daughters. He also left a legacy of £10 to a widow named Mary Freer, presumably Mrs Wilson France's mother.

Cataloguing & details

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